exercises
Exercises from the workshop
Here are the written exercises.

Getting to know your ideal reader:

1. Write a DM from a reader looking for a book recommendation, as though your book is the answer they don’t know they are looking for.
Example: Hi Nicola, can you help me choose my next book? I want a book that is set in the future, but that isn't sci-fi. I quite enjoy reading dystopian fiction that is politically engaged - I don't really want to read about men going on quests, killer zombies or anything like that. I'd really like the central character to be a woman and for the book to interrogate some feminist themes, things like how we view and treat women's bodies and the roles of women in our society. I really enjoyed ‘Dreamland’ by Rosa Rankin-Gee - can you think of any other books you think I might enjoy?
Answer: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.

2. Who are the people who won’t enjoy, or be interested, in your book?

Example: this post from @saleswithsara although please note there is no requirement to share publicly like this person does.


Prompts to ‘kick off’ generating post ideas:

  • Why should you be trusted to write this book?
  • What are the experiences or qualifications you have that mean you are the right person to write this book?
  • What is the origin story of your book?
  • Why are you writing this book now?
  • Think of your favourite book shop. Which section would your book sit in? What other books might it be next to?
  • What are you going to make your reader think about? Is there a big question at the heart of your book?
  • What themes are central to your book? List them - primary and secondary
  • Why should you be trusted to write this book? What are the experiences or qualifications you have that mean you are the right person to write this book?
  • What is the origin story of your book? Why are you writing this book now?
  • Think of your favourite book shop. Which section would your book sit in? What other books might it be next to?
  • What are you going to make your reader think about? Is there a big question at the heart of your book?
  • What themes are central to your book? List them - primary and secondary

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